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"It's fortunate that we just went through a practice drill similar to
this."
 These were the words of a principal at
one of the Conway schools. (For now, all names are being withheld.) They
came about an hour after a blast at a chemical plant that sent a huge cloud of smoke
into the air. Phone lines and even the internet sites for Conway Public
Schools were jammed. Since
Keys To Safer Schools.com has worked with this
District for several years, I called to offer help if needed. We never go
without being asked unless we are specifically included in the
Crisis Plan.
Even those who can help should always assess the need for their presence
against being another body in the way of a working plan. So I called, and
listened to several busy signals. I got through to this principal because I
knew they were probably not downwind of the chemical cloud and the crisis would
not likely be as severe there. The principal was eager to talk, not from any
sense of desperation, but it gave her an opportunity to bounce her actions
off of someone that she knew was familiar with their school and their
plans.
There was a general lack of
communication after the initial notification, which is normal and
acceptable. The key members of the
Crisis Teams were busy performing their
assigned tasks and not in a position to be passing on updates. Also, there
was very little new or pertinent information to pass along. This period of
communication slowdown can be very frustrating and nerve racking...unless
you are prepared for it. The principal knew this and knew to make decisions
and take actions without access to further guidance. I was playing the role
of her "check list." (not that she needed it) Her particular
situation points out one of the things that Keys always emphasizes in
trainings, that is, you will always want or need more information than is
available. I asked if she knew anything about the nature of the chemical
cloud. It was within sight of her school and she had received no information
other than "someone" on the television saying that he thought the
cloud was contaminated with bacteria or viruses. This was of course wrong.
The cloud most likely was contaminated with chemical vapors that may or may
not have been toxic. The answer is to assume it is until proven otherwise
and this was the chosen course of action. The principal called a
lock down
and suspended all outdoors activities. She had started identifying the doors
and other areas that would not seal and prevent a gas from entering the
building. She asked, "Will people think I am crazy if I start taping
doors." I responded, "Maybe. But if the wind shifts and you save a
life, you will be a saint." She offered her thanks as she said that was
what she was going to do anyway, she just wanted to hear what I thought. She
said the biggest challenge was getting everyone busy without getting them panicked.
She then closed with the statement above: ""It's fortunate that
we just went through a practice drill similar to this."
See
Crisis Response Drills/Exercises
Elsewhere schools were being
relocated (a play on evacuated) to other classroom space and activity areas.
A parent/student reunification program was put into play and worked
extremely well. When you have a
plan and
practice your plan, your crisis
will not be as severe. Our thought and prayers are with the people of
Conway. Our congratulations go out to the Superintendent and his support
staff for the professional way they met this crisis need.
Detco Industries is a manufacturer of various chemical
products. As such they have large quantities of chemicals, some volatile and
some toxic, on hand. Today, at 11:15am tragedy struck as this plant exploded
and then burned. Detco has an excellent safety record and is important in
the economic picture of Conway. They had contingency plans in place and
those appear to be working as there were only two injuries and no reported
fatalities from this incident. This chemical plant is next door to a school
and close to several others.
Are there such places near your school? What
Chemicals are traveling the highway or rails near your schools? Do you have
rock solid plans in place that that you know will work? If you have questions or need
help, please contact Keys today at 800-504-7355 or
Keys@KeysToSaferSchools.com . There are two trainings coming
up in Arkansas dealing with response and contingency plans for;
*Conventional Crises
*Chemical Crises
*Biological Crises
*Nuclear Crises
Hope, Arkansas &
Camden, Arkansas
These trainings are to help schools meet
Act 648 and to help them quality plans in place.
Schedule
your training today!
What you do makes a difference!
Reported By:
Frank G. Green
Executive Director
Keys To Safer Schools.com
If
you have any comments or questions please Email us at
keys@keystosaferschools.com.
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(501)246-8835
